Well I actually plan on buying a mtn. bike for commuting as my road bike is far too harsh on the roads/paths/trails I ride in. As for the price on your bike, if it's a 2008 it seems to be about msrp which is all the better my bike shop would do either. Finally hardtail means it has no rear suspension, otherwise if it were a full suspension it would also have a shock/spring on the rear end of your bike.

I commute to my part timer after my real job with no problems. Its probably about a mile and a half away though so its not far at all. I also do not have agressive tread tires on my bike which helps. I got a front and rear light, they are tiny and are hald on by rubber band like straps, so i take them off when I ride the trails sometimes. I just throw a pair of shoes in my pack, lock out the fork and go on my way. Its nice just to get on my bike when I cant hit the trails.

Didn't you already buy it? I consider myself the king of research/price finding, but once I make the purchase... done. You'll always manage to find something cheaper immediately after making a purchase, that's just the way it works out.

ahahaha, a debate between my multiple personalities, quick runs back and forth from the garage to the computer where I have a screenshot of a 2008 and 2006, and what gave it off were the tires, different tires from each year

yeah, i'm an overthinker... AND stingy about spending 400$ lol, but I guess in the end it all works out. Now all I need is a lock and I'll be on my way, although, I am a bit hmm.. what's the word, anxious?, about riding on the roads for the first time, drivers can be ******bags, as I myself have been, nothing too stupid, bikers always had the right away in my mind, just when I pass one I think 'oh its okay to drive close, nothing will happen, why are these cars moving so far out for them', but that was silly thinking, and if I of all people thought silly thoughts such as those, think about how many drivers will think even sillier thoughts. :[

I used to commute on my hardrock, 2.3 tires. I now live a bit farther from campus now, so I make the 5 mile ride on a fixed gear road bike. I couldn't stand the knobbies on the pavement anymore, and after putting a good deal of money into parts I didn't feel comfortable leaving it locked up all day.

The locks are massive and expensive in comparison to what you'll see on the rack at a department store, but they're bombproof and when used in combination, a thief will walk on by.

Here's some prices. Those are actually decent prices. The important issue here is to look at the guarantee provided with the locks. $3500.00 guaranteed replacement with the chain and $4500.00 when using the U-lock, if your bike is stolen while using the lock. I use both.

Keep in mind that it isn't a good idea to buy your parts through Amazon, just go to JensonUSA or wherever. I only used Amazon as a reference.

Last edited by WrenchDevil6; 05-11-08 at 12:00 PM.
Reason: Adding a side note.

Never seen/heard of one of those locks being cut. I'm sure that it can be done with the right tools and time, but a bike thief isn't going to be carrying the required tools to remove that U-lock. As far as the cables go. I have used Kryptonite cables for everything from securing a bike, to securing items to my gangboxes. I own about 6 Krypto cables, I think. I'm sure that it will work for you. I just like removing as many needless portions from the equation as possible.

Oh... no idea. Maybe, maybe not. Not a chance that I am willing to take. I understand money being tight and having to make compromises, so, if that's what you can afford now, then by all means. A doubly secured bike will look like too much of a hassle anyway.